So my current bike is a 26er 19" frame. Fits OK, but I'm 5'10" and I feel like I'm on the cusp between a 17" and 19".  Going up to the larger size wheel, I am thinking some of the advantages for me on a 17" would be a slightly better standover height, and a slightly shorter reach, which would be good since I have back problems.  Also, a 400mm seat post should get my saddle more than high enough.  Right now my current one is just over 1/3 out of the seat tube.

Anyone see any flaws in this logic?

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but pretty sure SRAM X9 is equivalent to Shimano XT

Do you know where the GX and NX fall in? I am seeing more of these in 1x11 setup.  Most of the X9 is 3x10 that I have run into.  Obviously, I want to get what's the most current - 2016/2017 groupsets.

Just a quickie... I've had a chance to ride a SRAM bike and really liked the shifting.  However, other than 0X1 and XX1, I'm clueless as to which groupsets compete with the Deore XT set?  I don't want to go with anything less that this quality.

This thread seems to be quite helpful.  However, if I can get a quick confirmation from someone regarding shimano,  If I choose BSA, I should be able to run SRAM or Shimano?  Right now my fallback is the XT groupset, but I'm really interested in SRAM and will more than likely go that route for drivetrain with XT brakes. 

I also do all my own work, but these GXP BBs were not around when I left the industry.  So I just need the tool.

For Florida, the 10x42 range that 1x11 offers should work fine for you.

Yeah, I have been kinda thinking the same thing.   As for the plus size, I am more focused on a faster ride.  My thought is to to the FSC race series next year (2017).

If you like the CKMB01 frame, I'd order it from Peter at XMcarbonspeed.com along with carbon bars, seat post, and carbon wheels.

How is he on pricing?  I am trying to make sense of him from all the posts I have read.  Seems service is great, but as we give him more business and create demand, it sounds like his pricing might be on the high side.  Your thoughts?  That frame is prices at $450 on Carbonal's site and I saw it for the same on Aliexpress. 

Hey guys,

I just sold my car and should have cash in hand on Tuesday.  Therefore I want to get busy on this 29er build. 

So far, I was thinking the 062 until I followed a link from this forum to carbonal and saw this frame:  http://www.carbonalbike.com/carbon-mtb-hardtail-29er-cross-country-frame-with-vibration-reduce-system-1080g-ckmb01-sl.html

I'm sort of liking the idea of the kevlar relief in the seat stays.  Does anyone have any information on this frame and carbonal bike as a vender?  I assume most of you buy wheels from the same vendor at the same time.  I'd like to do XC/AM hoops.  Probably go Novatec for these.  Next season I'll buy a set of XC specific with DT Swiss.  Depending on $$ I might try and pickup some cheaper aluminum wheels from Aliexpress.  One of the places I like to ride in NorthPort is root garden central. 

Groupset:, I don't know if I can afford it this time around, but possibly looking at the SRAM Eagle XX1.  It might be too rich for my blood, but I don't know the price... or if it includes brakes.   If not, I would like to go the SRAM route 1x11, but need brake advice... Otherwise I would fall back on Deore XT full groupset.

Forks... I REALLY want the Fox 32 Stepcast Factory.  I see it several places for about $900, and a bit more for remote.  Might end up out of my price range, but next selection would be the standard 32 Factory.  Lastly would probably be something like a Reba RL.   Maybe one of you guys can chime in on the fork thing....

Dropper seat post.  I have seen a few different models, but what do you guys recommend?

Bars, I'll probably do the BEIOU's from Amazon again. Been happy with them thus far, and at $40, that's hard to beat.  However, if you have any other suggestions, I'm all ears.

Stem - no idea where to begin.  My default would be an Origin8 aluminum from Amazon.  Cheap reliable and I know I can get it within a week.

Saddle - Hmmm. I have a Selle SMP Extra now. It's heavy but for training and fun riding it's fine.  A carbon one just for racing would be interesting. Suggestions if you have them....

Pedals - I'll likely source these from wherever I get the groupset from. I'll stick with SPDs.

Tires - Suggestions for fast rolling with good tread for Florida. I've been out of the game for awhile, so my knowledge stops around the introduction of the Panaracer Fire XC.

Thanks and I'd like to get ordering started this week.   

TJ

Hello all,

Before I found out about this forum, I was pretty much only searching on Amazon for all things bargain bicycle.  After 20+ years away from the sport, when I started riding again this past March, I needed to replace my Shimano shoes that had deteriorated in the back of my closet.  I didn't want to spend a ton of money as I'm riding a vintage bike, I just wanted to be comfortable clipped in to my Shimano SPD 737 pedals.

I took a gamble on the Venzo shoes with included pedals.  I can't speak for the pedals as I have not used them enough to give feedback, but the shoes have seen heavy use since the end of March. I ride almost daily between 15 - 20 miles each ride, quite often hitting water, mud, some tarmac etc... These shoes have continued to hold up very nicely.  Granted they are not the same as my old Shimano shoes which I paid 4 times the price 25 years ago, but they are definitely doing a very good job of serving me in my abuse on them, and they are comfortable while being snug.  The soles are not as stiff as a high end racing shoe, but they are stiffer than most of the 'Vans Style' SPD shoes.  Actually not to bad to walk in either.  When they get all nasty, I take some Oxyclean and a brush, put them in the sink, scrub-a-dub for a couple of minutes, rinse and let drip dry.  Really brings back the color.  :-)

I know that one of the reasons this site exists is for fellow riders to share info on products they feel are reasonable/quality at lower price points.  I just wanted to put this one out here for anyone looking for shoes under $70.00 (pedals included).  It's a great package for anyone wanting to try SPD without sinking $400+ into pedals and shoes.

Below are the shoes I purchased.  Please note the sizing is off.  Just read through the reviews if you need help with sizing. 

I am a US 10.5-11 and I ordered a 44.5 which fit perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PJGWS4G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

TJ

I was just checking out an article on singletracks and saw an add for BoxOne.  Saw a pic of a rear mech. Seems they build drive trains as well as other components.  Anyone know anything about them?  Seem kinda pricy, but all I saw was the MAP on the site.

www.boxcomponents.com

TJ